What is Hot Stones Massage?
This is a type of massage therapy using smooth heated stones placed on targeted areas of your body.
The practice is thought to have originated thousands of years ago from an ancient Indian holistic approach using heated river stones.
Japanese, Chinese and native Americans are also known to have used this treatment for a range of conditions. As well as having positive effects upon ailments, it’s also used for relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.
What to Expect
On your first visit a consultation prior to the session with your therapist will include medical history, indicate any contraindications or concerns and agree your treatment plan for desired outcomes, whether to address specific ailments or purely for stress relief and relaxation.
Depending on the areas to be treated, clients usually undress to underwear and are then draped. The heated stones are then placed on required areas of the body such as – along the spine | on the stomach | on the chest | on the face | on the palms | on the feet and toes
Mandarin Massage uses smooth basalt stones heated in a professional stone heater which ensures correct temperatures and overheating avoided.
Age range
Clients range from teenagers to elderly although some conditions are not suitable for this type of massage. Young persons under 18 must be chaperoned.
Benefits and disorders treated
Reduces stress and anxiety – stress is recognised as a major cause of many ailments; massage can improve cardiovascular responses and when combined with heat it releases endorphins, relaxing muscles, easing pain and improving mood.
Improves quality of sleep, studies indicating that people are invigorated and more alert on awakening.
Relieves muscle pain and tension through combining massage therapy and heat. Heating assists the increase of blood flow and helps healing; similarly, heating knots in muscles prior to massaging is beneficial. Muscle flexibility improves, joints are less stiff and movement eased.
Blood flow and circulation improve as a result of heat with massage, reducing inflammation and pain.
Studies indicate that hot stone massage may relieve painful conditions such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Restrictions
There are some circumstances where hot stones should be avoided. Consultation prior to the session with your therapist will include medical history and indicate any contraindications or concerns.
Side Effects & Aftercare
You may feel sore after, muscles have been massaged and manipulated, this releases toxins. These can cause headaches for some clients but normality returns after drinking lots of water. This flushes out the toxins released; avoid dehydrating liquids such as alcohol and caffeine. Don’t undertake any sports or strenuous activity until the following day, relax and allow toxins to be flushed out. If having a bath or shower keep the water warm rather than hot.
